We are well into the New Year with January almost over, but nonetheless, we would like to wish all our readers a prosperous New Year. And if you happen to be Chinese, happy Chinese New Year to you too!

This year also marks SAA’s 78th birthday. Our national carrier has come a long way, through tough operational and economic conditions, to become the quality brand that it is today.

As we commemorate our birthday, we also celebrate our airline’s growth through new routes that have been added to our network. On 17 January 2012 we launched services between Johannesburg - Bujumbura and Kigali. We look forward to launching our inaugural NON-STOP flight to Beijing on 31 January 2012. What better way to celebrate our 78th birthday than to play an active role in ensuring SAA’s growth within Africa and the world!

Destination of the month - Beijing

For the first time in the history of the airline, SAA will introduce NON-STOP flights to Beijing, China; from January next year.

The inaugural flight is scheduled to depart on Tuesday 31 January 2012 2012 from Johannesburg to arrive in Beijing, China; on Wednesday 1 February 2012. These flights are available from today for reservations – book online at www.flysaa.com or at your local travel agent.

Introducing non-stop flights to Beijing is in line with SAA’s strategy to expand its network to Asia, the fastest growing market in the world. SAA will operate the route three times a week. The route will be served by the Airbus A340-600 aircraft, which have the capacity to operate the route directly all year round with no passenger payload restrictions. Flying time between Johannesburg and Beijing takes on average 15 hours.

Beijing is the capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the most populous cities in the world. The city is the country's political, cultural and educational centre and home to the headquarters for most of China’s largest state-owned companies.

The city abounds in palaces, temples, mansions, gardens and tombs that epitomise classical Chinese architecture. It also has roughly 120 museums and more than 100 public gardens. The first port of call for most visitors is the Forbidden City, which lies at the heart of Beijing with the rest of the city radiating out from it in a grid pattern.

*Above fares are on a return basis, inclusive of all taxes and are subject to change due to currency fluctuations. Terms and conditions apply.

Quote Booking Code : MN26JAN12

Experience SAA

Use of Cell Phones in Flight-mode During Flights

NOW AVAILABLE!

South African Airways’ application to the South African CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) for an exemption to allow the use of cellular telephones in flight-mode during the cruise-phase of a flight has been granted. The exemption applies to all flights (domestic, regional, international) and all aircraft types.

Effective immediately, all SAA passengers will be permitted to use personal electronic devices such as cell phones, e-readers and electronic tablets in flight-mode or an equivalent mode.

Flight Mode is a setting available on many mobile phones and other electronic devices that, when engaged, suspends many of the device's signal transmitting functions – thereby disabling the device's capacity to place or receive calls or text messages – while still permitting use of other basic functions that do not require signal transmission such as calendars, address books, reading e-mail, and MP3.

Closer to home - Windhoek

The small, Germanic capital of the country, Windhoek is an attractive city situated in the Central Highlands and surrounded by hills and mountains, occupying the geographical and economic heart of Namibia. The city centre is characterised by historic German colonial architecture and imposing modern structures. Dominating the skyline is the striking German Lutheran church, Christuskirche, a mixture of Art Nouveau and neo-Gothic design, and the Titenpalast, or 'Ink Palace', the parliament building from where the sparsely populated country is governed. The railway station is a Cape Dutch edifice dating back to 1912 and Independence Avenue is a pleasant tree-lined place with fountains and walkways providing a relaxing ambience among the modern buildings of the central business district.

The women of the Herero tribe, cattle herders of the region, are very distinctive with their voluminous Victorian-style dresses and colourful headgear. The German influence is not only apparent in the architecture and colonial style buildings, but is evident in the food and locally brewed beer. Polony and sauerkraut are available on the menu among local dishes, including seafood from the west coast and venison or game steaks from the hinterland.

Voyager Promotion

Stand a chance to WIN by booking now!

Fly between Johannesburg and Beijing from 31 January to 30 April 2012 and stand a chance to win a two-night stay at the luxurious Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, including Economy class flights from Johannesburg to Kruger Mpumalanga International – South Africa.

Terms and Conditions:

Voyager number must be inserted at time of booking.

Your Economy class fare will secure 1 entry into the competition.

Your Business class fare will secure 2 entries into the competition.

Travel must be completed within the promotion dates.

Draw will take place after 30 April 2012.

Members will be contacted telephonically or via e-mail.

Competition valid on SAA operated flights to and from Johannesburg and Beijing only.